French players attacked with machetes

MILLAU, France - Three France players have been hospitalised after being attacked with machetes and swords as they walked back to their hotel.

Clermont Auvergne trio Aurelien Rougerie, Julien Pierre and Benjamin Kayser were all taken to hospital after "a dozen" armed men attacked them in the southern town of Millau early on Sunday morning.

The French club said Pierre is to undergo surgery on "deep cuts" to his hip, but none of the injuries suffered by the trio are life-threatening.

"While returning on foot to their hotel overnight from Saturday to Sunday, a group of Clermont players was attacked by a dozen individuals armed with machetes, knives and swords," the club said in a statement.

"A police investigation was opened immediately in Millau, where the Clermont players were staying before travelling to Falgos (a training camp) for a few days.